Didier Deschamps does not believe that he is one of the “intimate friends” of Zinedine Zidane, but insists that “there will always be respect” between the former teammates of France.
The couple played the leading role in the French team that won the World Cup 1998 and Euro 2000.
Fast-Forward a quarter of a century and Deschamps announced in January that he will resign as the head coach of Les Bleus after the World Cup 2026 in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
The 56-year-old is the longest serving coach of his country who replaces Laurent Blanc-a member of that victorious side of 1998 and 2000-in 2012.
Since then he has led France to World Cup Glory in 2018, as well as the Nations League title 2020-21, while they were defeated finalists on Euro 2016 and the World Cup 2022.
A frustrating night in Croatia … but it is still all to play for!
We need all your support for the second stage in the Stade de France on Sunday!
2-0 | #Crofra | #Fiersdetreleus pic.twitter.com/hegokzefndd
– French team (@frenchteam) March 20, 2025
Zidane – A winner of three consecutive Champions League titles during the first of his two spells responsible for Real Madrid – has emerged as a leading candidate to replace Deschamps.
It was reported that the couple does not see an eye to eye, although Deschamps let that speculation rest quickly.
“Another great idea!” He told Le Figaro. “We have spent many years together. There is still a lot of respect between us.
“By the way, the last time we saw each other, we exchanged and spoken well. There is still a form of recognition of each other's success on both sides.
“I am not one of his intimate friends. We both have our own life, but whatever happens, there will always be respect between us.”
France will be in action again on Sunday for the return change of their Nations League quarterfinals draw with Croatia, which they follow 2-0 after the first stage on Thursday.
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